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Live Commentary - Burnley vs Man Utd

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Fernandes in for Yoro

Darren Fletcher makes just the one change to the Manchester United team picked by Ruben Amorim against Leeds but it is a significant one as captain Bruno Fernandes returns in place of Leny Yoro. That could signify a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are among the substitutes.

Cunha to punish Burnley?

Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha has scored three goals in his last five Premier League appearances, as many as his previous 20 beforehand. Cunha has nine goal involvements (5 goals, 4 assists) in his last eight league games against newly promoted opponents.

Home horrors for Parker

Burnley’s Scott Parker has lost 65 per cent of his home Premier League matches as manager (24/37), the highest losing percentage of any manager to take charge of 25+ home games in Premier League history.

Man Utd set for back four?

Sky Sports' Adam Bate at Turf Moor:

"Dorgu joining in the shooting drills, Heaven and Martinez warming-up together. Does look like a return to a back four for United. Could this be the end of the Amorim experiment in more ways than one?"

Solskjaer? Conte?! Which managers fit Man Utd's 'DNA'?

Gary Neville has said the next Manchester United manager must suit the DNA of the club, so who fits the bill?

As their hierarchy begin talks with prospective candidates, Between the Lines returns with a look at how their options stack up.

Antonio Conte, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer among best fits for Man Utd 'DNA' after Ruben Amorim axe - Between the Lines

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Parker: We need a reaction

Burnley boss Scott Parker speaking to Sky Sports:

"We need a reaction. We fell short at the weekend.

"There’s no better team to face tonight."

Nev: Man Utd look stronger

Sky Sports' Gary Neville:

"All of a sudden there are a few players back on the bench and United look stronger. They should be doing a lot better. The results have been frustrating."

Last time out for Man Utd

Last time out for Burnley

'Ole loves the club'

Gary Neville shares his thoughts on who might take the interim head coach role until the end of the season at Manchester United.

Fletcher: It's up to players to execute our plan

Manchester United interim boss Darren Fletcher speaking to Sky Sports:

“We’re ready to go. I’m excited.

“It’s important Bruno is back. This game was targeted for a few of the players coming back from injury

“We’ve set them up in a way that we feel can win the match. It suits their personalities and styles. It’s up to them to execute it.”

Nev: Solskjaer return would be like Groundhog Day

Sky Sports' Gary Neville:

“They put Ryan [Giggs] in charge 10 years ago, then Ole came in charge and you go back to the old boys, then you go for a new one, then you go for more experience.

“It is almost like a cycle, like a movie we have all seen before and Groundhog Day.

“What I do think is Ole is someone who absolutely loves the club, he knows the job, he has been in the job.

“The other names that have been mentioned – Michael Carrick, Ruud van Nistelrooy – these are really fantastic people.

“I trained with those guys for a lot of years. They love the club intensely, they get the club, but still they are going to come under a lot of pressure in this next four or five months if results don’t go their way and they are going to have to be ready for that.

“Whoever is going to get it out of those three who are being mentioned, I wish them all the best because it is a tough role.”

Nev: An experienced interim crucial

Sky Sports' Gary Neville on Manchester United's search for an interim boss:

“They have to bring someone in who has done it before. I was put in a football club for four months and told to steer the ship to shore until the end of the season.

"Manchester United have had a challenging experience with Ralf Rangnick and it went well with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. All I will say is as long as someone has done it before, got experience and can handle the media. The next full-time appointment is crucial.”

Esteve, Edwards & Hannibal all start

Sky Sports' Lewis Jones:

"Maxime Esteve returns for Burnley after limping off in the defeat to Newcastle. He is one of three changes from the defeat at Brighton as Marcus Edwards and Hannibal, only just back from AFCON, also return to the Burnley XI. Scott Park looks to be continuing with the 3-4-3 he's been playing in recent weeks."

Fernandes in for Yoro

Darren Fletcher makes just the one change to the Manchester United team picked by Ruben Amorim against Leeds but it is a significant one as captain Bruno Fernandes returns in place of Leny Yoro. That could signify a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are among the substitutes.

Burnley team news

Team to play Man Utd: Dubravka, Walker, Esteve, Laurent, Humphreys, Pires, Florentino, Ugochukwu, Edwards, Hannibal, Broja

Subs: Weir, Hartman, Bruun Larsen, Foster, Anthony, Tchaouna, Ekdal, Sonne, Barnes

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Man Utd team news

Team to play Burnley: Lammens, Dalot, Heaven, Martinez, Shaw, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Fernandes, Cunha, Sesko.

Subs: Bayindir, Maguire, Mainoo, Mount, Malacia, Yoro, J Fletcher, Lacey, Zirkzee.

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Team news in 60 seconds...!

What has this man got up his sleeve?

Jones Knows: Big Man Utd win on the cards

Sky Sports' betting expert Lewis Jones:

"Although Wolves are propping up the division, Burnley, according to the data, are actually the worst of the 20 teams.

"Their expected goals against numbers show them conceding 2.00 xG per 90, the worst figure in the division - that's a team consistently allowing opponents high-quality chances in dangerous areas. Burnley also sit bottom of the league for xG supremacy, posting a damaging -1.07 per 90. In simple terms, they're being comprehensively outplayed almost every week.

"Shot volume reinforces the same message. Burnley face more shots than any other Premier League team and concede more big chances than anyone else. This looks a fantastic opportunity for Manchester United's attackers to flex their muscles and the 7/4 with Sky Bet on them on the -1 handicap market looks an interesting angle to explore."

SCORE PREDICTION: 0-3

Fernandes, Mount, Mainoo & Maguire in Man Utd squad

Sky Sports News' Danyal Khan at Turf Moor:

"Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo all return from injury and are in the Manchester United squad."

Teams will be dropping at 7pm.

What's the latest in Manchester United's search for a new manager?

Latest from Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett:

"Manchester United are working on a situation where they will bring in an interim manager until the end of the season and the reason they want to do that is because they think there is a much greater availability of talent they can get their hands on in the summer.

"Sky Sports News revealed on Tuesday that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are both in the frame.

"I'm told Manchester United will continue talks with those two before they will make any further decision on an interim appointment.

"It has been made very, very clear to me that both of them could be employed together in some new role as part of that interim option.

"Jason Wilcox is leading this.

"Informal talks on Tuesday with both went very well on Tuesday. I've been told both Solskjaer and Michael Carrick would like to be involved in the first team at United again.

"There are no meetings planned today - it's a big day for Darren Fletcher today because he is leading the team tonight for the first time at Burnley. He doesn't want any distractions from that and all the focus is on the team.

"So I am expecting talks with to accelerate tomorrow and the end of the week.

"And then United have a decision to make."

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Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland: Spurs booed off again as Brian Brobbey scores late leveller

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Tottenham were booed off for a second consecutive game after a 1-1 home draw against Sunderland, as Brian Brobbey’s late leveller kept the pressure on Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

Thursday’s drab goalless draw at Brentford saw Frank booed by Spurs fans at full-time in west London after the away end had chanted “boring, boring Tottenham” during the uninspiring draw.

And although Spurs were far more entertaining in the first half against Sunderland, as they took a deserved lead through surprise goalscorer Ben Davies, the visitors stepped it up in the second half to grab a draw and spark more jeers.

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Spurs had just one shot on target in the second half, and the home fans’ frustrations were compounded when Brobbey hammered home an equaliser in the 80th minute.

Spurs substitute Joao Palhinha headed a good chance to win it wide in stoppage time as Spurs’ winless start to 2026 continued.

Frank’s side, who have won just two of their last 11 league games, remain 13th and are seven points off the top four.

Spurs were also dealt an injury blow in the draw as key attacker Mohammed Kudus was forced off in the 19th minute, with his injury coming just two days after Brennan Johnson's £35m sale to Crystal Palace.

Sunderland, meanwhile, grabbed a fourth draw in a row as they impressively battle against the backdrop of multiple Africa Cup of Nations absentees to sit eighth.

Frank: We didn't kill the game off

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank speaking at his post-match press conference:

"Pleased with the first half. I think we showed a lot of good intentions, a lot of good play. I think we came in some very good offensive situations where we lacked the cutting-edge quality.

"I think the big headline is we didn't score the 2-0 goal. We didn't kill the game off. Two-nil, then we are out of sight.

"We gave nothing away throughout the game. We have one where they do a top bit of play and then it's 1-1. So for me it was the 2-0 goal we lacked.

"I think first half was very good, I think we were totally dominant. Second half, not as dominant, but we still get into some very good situations, have some good counter-attack situations where we need to get more out of it.

"You can't rely on in the Premier League just to win 1-0."

Le Bris: We were lucky not to be punished in the first half

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris speaking at his post-match press conference:

"We had a lack of energy and just 1-0 down it was possible to switch on.

"We were a bit lucky because in a Premier League game, when you don't play at your best, you should be punished.

"It wasn't the case, so we were still alive. We said, just switch on, do simple things well, because I think tactically we were OK.

"It was just a question of being more composed with the ball and the ability to win the first contact because they went direct as expected against our man-for-man press. We didn't win the first contact, the second ball, so the balance of the game was like that. We had the character and the quality to switch on and I think it's positive."

Analysis: Frank continues battle with unhappy fanbase

New year, same old soundtrack at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the final whistle was once again greeted by boos.

Last year saw Spurs suffer 11 league home defeats - a club record in a calendar year - and although this was not a loss, the home fans left dissatisfied again.

A bright first half had Spurs supporters smiling, with a shot-laden display that saw a surprise goal scorer in Davies.

His first Spurs goal in three years on his first Premier League start of the season brought about fun-filled chants, making the mood feel different at half-time in north London.

But it proved a false dawn, as Sunderland came out a different side in the second half to deservedly peg Spurs back and maintain the ill-feeling in N17.

Spurs boss Frank once again heard jeers at the final whistle as he continues his battle against an unhappy fanbase.

And when it rains, it pours, as Kudus suffered a first-half injury just two days after Johnson's Palace exit, leaving Spurs short in attacking options.

The January transfer window's significance has become even more important now for Frank if he is to come through this Spurs storm.

Opta facts: Frank already matches Ange's Spurs draw record

Tottenham have drawn six of their 20 Premier League matches under Thomas Frank this season (W7 L7), as many stalemates as Spurs endured across their final 53 league games under Ange Postecoglou (W18 L29).

Sunderland are unbeaten in their last five games in the Premier League (W1 D4), drawing each of their last four. It is the Black Cats’ longest run without defeat in the top flight since a streak of six under Sam Allardyce in April/May 2016.

Tottenham are just the second side to score 10+ times from corners in the Premier League this season (after Arsenal, 11), while Spurs have already matched their tally from the entirety of last campaign (10).

Aged 32 years 255 days, Ben Davies is the oldest defender to score in the Premier League for Tottenham since William Gallas vs Chelsea in October 2012 (35y 64d).

Story of the match in stats...

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Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland: Spurs booed off again as Brian Brobbey scores late leveller

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Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland: Spurs booed off again as Brian Brobbey scores late leveller - Sky Sports
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Tottenham were booed off for a second consecutive game after a 1-1 home draw against Sunderland, as Brian Brobbey’s late leveller kept the pressure on Tottenham boss Thomas Frank.

Thursday’s drab goalless draw at Brentford saw Frank booed by Spurs fans at full-time in west London after the away end had chanted “boring, boring Tottenham” during the uninspiring draw.

And although Spurs were far more entertaining in the first half against Sunderland, as they took a deserved lead through surprise goal scorer Ben Davies, the visitors stepped it up in the second half to grab a draw and spark more jeers.

As it happened | Teams | Stats

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Spurs had just one shot on target in the second half, and the home fans’ frustrations were compounded when Brobbey hammered home an equaliser in the 80th minute.

Spurs substitute Joao Palhinha headed a good chance to win it wide in stoppage time as Spurs’ winless start to 2026 continued.

Frank’s side, who have won just two of their last 11 league games, remain 13th and are seven points off the top four.

Spurs were also dealt an injury blow in the draw as key attacker Mohammed Kudus was forced off in the 19th minute.

Sunderland, meanwhile, grabbed a fourth draw in a row as they impressively battle against the backdrop of multiple Africa Cup of Nations absentees to sit eighth.

Story of the match in stats...

What's coming up in the Premier League?

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Thomas Frank: Tottenham boss admits he is not enjoying his reign so far but hard work will be worth it in the long run

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Thomas Frank: Tottenham boss admits he is not enjoying his reign so far but hard work will be worth it in the long run - Sky Sports
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Thomas Frank has admitted that he is not enjoying his managerial reign at Tottenham so far but is looking forward to being able to look back on his difficult start positively.

Frank has fallen under increasing pressure from supporters following a string of poor performances, with travelling away fans chanting 'boring, boring Tottenham Hotspur' during their 0-0 draw with Brentford on New Year's Day.

The former Bees boss has said he understands their frustrations and has admitted he is not happy with where the club is at but insists the short-term suffering will be worth it in the long run.

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"So the short answer is no [I'm not enjoying my time]," Frank said when asked about whether he was enjoying his tenure so far.

"When I pull myself out of it and look down, I think what a privilege to be in charge of this fantastic club in a period where it's a big transition. I think someone told me that we have changed eight leadership guys in the top of the club.

"The transition, there has never been as much in 140 years. There's a lot of changes, but the potential is huge.

"That's part of it. I'm looking forward to looking back at it and thinking, what a big learning [experience]. Now I'm enjoying it."

Frank added: "When you need to put in a big, big shift and it's not smooth and it's tough, it's probably difficult to enjoy it.

"I'll give you an example. If I run hard, I don't enjoy that moment. But I know I need to keep my head down and run hard to get through it, to get my fitness up or to win a race, whatever it is.

"We're in a situation where you need to run hard, to stay in it, to get through it. And then on the other side, when you look back on this spell we think 'what a learning experience', that made it so much better for the future.

"It's definitely a marathon. It definitely seems like it's one of the little bit more heavy miles I'm on now. But head down and keep going."

Frank admits Tottenham are 'boring' as they search to find right balance

Fans have become critical of Frank's system as Tottenham struggle to implement an attacking style the supporters are clamouring for.

That was further highlighted when it took until the 93rd minute for Spurs to muster a shot on target against Brentford, and Frank has admitted his side have much to improve on offensively.

"It's not perfect. We want to be a free flowing team. I think a couple of things I want to reinforce positively is the last two away performances," he said.

"The foundation we are building was very strong against Crystal Palace and Brentford. I think we were very good defensively. I think we understood how to close down their transitions.

"We're working very hard and understand frustration. I share them too.

"There's a few things that we need to do our best to improve. One of them is, for example, against Brentford we lost the ball with unforced errors 25 times.

"I showed those 25 clips to the players today. All that can be adjusted. Of course, football is a game of mistakes. You lose the ball, so that can happen because of bad decision, bad touch or concentration.

"So, that's the one level we need to do. And the next bit is the patterns and the structure and getting in the right positions. We didn't get that right last night. I showed that again to the players today. That is my responsibility together with the coaches.

"And then the third thing. I think it's also okay to mention that we still lack some very important offensive players. It's been out for a while. I don't want to mention it again.

"It's unfortunately very boring. But that's the fact. We need to do everything we can to put an attacking, intense, front-foot performance out against Sunderland in two days' time.

"I'll do everything I can to make sure we do that. And if we do that and get three points, it's seven from three, which is very good."

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Brennan Johnson transfer news: Crystal Palace sign Wales winger from Tottenham in club-record £35m deal

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Crystal Palace have completed the £35m club-record signing of Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson, with the Wales international available for Sunday's trip to Newcastle, live on Sky Sports.

Johnson has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Selhurst Park and will wear the No 11 shirt.

The 24-year-old becomes Palace's record signing, surpassing the £32m the Eagles paid Liverpool for Christian Benteke in the summer of 2016.

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Johnson has been at Spurs since the summer of 2023, when he signed for £47.5m from Nottingham Forest. He finished as the club's top scorer last season with 18 goals in all competitions, including the winner in the Europa League final in May.

However, he has made only six starts in the Premier League this term under new boss Thomas Frank, featuring on both flanks after his position was taken by Mohammed Kudus, who joined in a £55m deal this summer from West Ham.

In total, Johnson has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, having scored 27 goals in 107 games for Spurs.

Johnson: Great time to be at Palace

Johnson believes he has joined the Eagles at the right time, with the club competing on three fronts in 2026.

"I'm really excited and I'm really happy," said Johnson. "Crystal Palace are such a great club, one that I've always admired.

"It's a great time for me to be here and join the journey that this club is on."

Palace manager Oliver Glasner said: "I'm really delighted that Brennan has joined the club.

"He arrives very early in the window, so credit to the club for making this happen so quickly.

"Brennan will give us options in our attacking play with his pace and goalscoring ability and with all the upcoming games he will be a valuable addition to the squad."

Johnson's arrival will sprinkle some stardust on the south Londoners, and is Palace's first major investment since they sold Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for £67.5m in August.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "I'm delighted that Brennan has joined us - an exciting young talent with an excellent recent record in domestic, continental and international football.

"We feel we are the perfect place for Brennan to continue his already impressive journey, and his arrival bolsters our attacking options in what is proving our busiest season to date, competing on numerous fronts including, for the first time, in Europe."

Why Johnson deal makes sense for Palace

Sky Sports' Peter Smith:

Johnson's signing looks like good business for Crystal Palace.

Glasner has been crying out for reinforcements, and the Wales winger adds depth to an area the south Londoners are short in - and should be a good fit to Palace's style with his pace and directness.

Johnson left his mark at Spurs with his Europa League final winner over Manchester United, and that close-range finish was typical of his developing nous for darting into dangerous positions in the box.

In fact, all 54 of his shots in the Premier League last season came from inside the penalty area. It was an approach which paid off, with Johnson top-scoring for Spurs in both the league and across all competitions. Five of his 11 goals in the Premier League were from inside the six-yard box, only strikers Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa scored more in that zone.

Whether cutting in from the right to look for shooting positions or dashing for the byline before arrowing the ball across the face of goal, Johnson's attacking approach can excite at Selhurst, especially while Ismaila Sarr is away at AFCON. He also has the flexibility of being able to play from both flanks, while, aged 24, there is hope there is plenty more to come from him, too.

He has had only a bit-part to play at Spurs this term, since Kudus' arrival. But while Tottenham wave goodbye to their top scorer from the previous campaign for a third season at a row - and sell Johnson at a £12m loss on what they paid for him two-and-a-half years ago - Palace welcome a much-needed addition.

For Johnson, the chance to play regularly in what could turn out to be a World Cup year for Wales, should their play-off go to plan, is valuable, while the prospect of winning more trophies - and perhaps another in Europe - is not out of the question under Glasner's guidance.

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